SIGN-UPS FOR THE FINAL BAJA HA-HA, NUMBER 31
BEGIN AT NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 9

The Ha-Ha is the 750-mile cruisers' rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with R&R stops at fun and funky Turtle Bay and spectacular Bahia Santa Maria. Over 14,000 sailors and 3,000 boats have done the Ha-Ha over the first 30 years.

The event is open to boats over 27 feet that were designed, built, and have been maintained for open ocean sailing.

One reason to sign up right away is to commit yourself to a great adventure. Another is the possibility — not guarantee — of getting a slip in Cabo. Some years a lot of Ha-Ha boats have gotten slips; some years none have. It all depends on availability, which is a direct function of the U.S. economy. And who knows what that will be like in November.

On the surface, the Ha-Ha may seem like a two-week event, but there is so much to it that by the time you get to Cabo, it will seem like it was a two-month adventure. Here are some of the highlights and advantages:

— Any and all questions about the Ha-Ha and Mexico can be answered by Assistant Poobah Patsy Verhoeven, who is based out of La Paz and will be doing her 18th Ha-Ha.

— Ha-Ha entries get the option to take care of all the paperwork for checking into Mexico before the start of the event.

— Last Cheeseburger in Paradise and Costume Kick-Off Party in San Diego. Food, games, music, face-painting.

— San Diego waterfront parade, topped off by the Port of San Diego's watery salute.

— 95% chance of flying a downwind sail into Mexico by the end of the first day.

— Roll call each day at sea and VHF net on days when in port. Roll call is great for seeking help or parts in the fleet. Free sail repair, too, by Chuck Skews of Ullman Sails in San Diego and Seattle.

— World-famous Cruisers and Kids baseball game in Turtle Bay. As per the Poobah's Bazeball rules, women and children are always 'safe'. The fleet usually leaves $10,000 of equipment behind for the kids.

— Turtle Bay Beach Party at the foot of the badlands at the east end of the bay. Food, drinks, music, tug 'o war, grills, surfing, beach strolling, dancing.

— Lay Day at spectacular Bahia Santa Maria for surfing, mangrove exploring, peak climbing, and resting.

— Unforgettable live rock 'n roll beach party on the bluff at Bahia Santa Maria. Food, beer, dancing—in a scene that would strike Dali as surreal. Dona de Mallorca leads the fleet conga line.

— Cheated Death dance celebration at Squid Roe in Cabo. Time to get a little silly.

— Beach lunch at the Mango Deck terrace overlooking the fleet, followed by the one and only Here to Eternity Kissing Contest on Mendano Beach.

— Award's Party — free beer — in Cabo San Lucas, which will regrettably mark the final chapter in the long history of Baja Ha-Ha. So this year is your last chance.

Not sure if you should do the Ha-Ha? Ask someone who has done one. They know best.

The Poobah, Assistant Poobah, and Chief of Security Dona de Mallorca are looking forward to doing the Ha-Ha one last time and sincerely hope you'll be able to join us sailing to the tropics. It's something you'll remember for the rest of your life.

For this final Ha-Ha the Poobah has ordered up a full moon the arrival at the first stop at Turtle Bay.

The Turtle Bay anchorage is a terrific one, and could easily hold 1,000 boats.

The residents of Turtle Bay always welcome the Ha-Ha fleet.

One of the highlights of the stop at Turtle Bay is the Bazeball game. It's fast-paced and everyone from 2 to 82 is encouraged to participate.

The beach party at Turtle Bay is the perfect opportunity to make new cruising friends. Friends you're likely to meet all over Mexico and across the Pacific.

The second Ha-Ha stop is at Bahia Santa Maria, which is actually a 60-mile long island. And there's plenty of room to anchor.

Another view of the anchorage at Bahia Santa Maria, which offers perfect protection from typical weather from the northwest.

The Bluff Party with live music at Bahia Santa Maria is yet aother opportunity to make new cruising friends.